Basile at a glance
- Population: 1,187 people, the 145th-largest place among Louisiana's 302 Census places (US Census Bureau, Vintage 2023).
- 2020 Census base: 1,210 residents (US Census Bureau, 2020 Census).
- 2020 to 2023 change: about 1.9% below the 2020 Census base (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among Louisiana places: 145th largest of 302 (US Census Bureau).
- Size percentile: roughly 52% of Louisiana's places have fewer residents (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: 30.4855 / -92.6010, per the US Census Bureau Gazetteer.
- Nearest larger cities (within 120 miles): Eunice, LA (11 mi); Iota, LA (13 mi); Oberlin, LA (13 mi); Kinder, LA (15 mi); Mamou, LA (15 mi) (US Census Bureau populations).
- Nearest smaller towns: Elton, LA (6 mi); Chataignier, LA (18 mi); Mermentau, LA (21 mi) — US Census Bureau populations.
What a personal loan costs in Basile
The defining feature of a personal loan is the fixed installment: the same payment every month until the term ends.
Judge an offer by its APR, which blends the interest rate with fees, and use the personal loan calculator to see the total cost.
Stretching the term lowers the monthly payment but raises the total interest you pay, so the smallest payment is not automatically the cheapest loan.
Shop with more than one lender and treat pre-qualification as an estimate, since the final terms follow a full application.
Louisiana lending rules that apply in Basile
The table lists the Louisiana rules that apply to a loan made in Basile, each with the regulator that published it.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Small-loan / installment lender licensing | Consumer loan license required from OFI before making consumer loans Source says: "Persons who wish to engage in the business of making consumer loans must hold a consumer loan license issued by this Office" | Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions as of 2026-09-16 |
| State lending regulator | Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions (OFI), Non-Depository Division Source says: "OFI is responsible for the supervision of various entities which provide financial services to the citizens of the State of Louisiana." | Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions as of 2026-09-16 |
| Licensed-lender consumer loan finance charge caps | 36% first $1,400; 27% to $4,000; 24% to $7,000; 21% above (R.S. 9:3519(A)) Source says: "Thirty-six percent per year for that portion of the unpaid principal amount of the loan not exceeding one thousand four hundred dollars" | Louisiana State Legislature as of 2026-09-16 |
| Maximum legal interest rate (usury cap) | 12% per annum maximum conventional interest (La. R.S. 9:3500(C)(1)) Source says: "The amount of the conventional interest cannot exceed twelve percent per annum." | Louisiana State Legislature as of 2026-09-16 |
| Payday lending status | Legal and licensed — deferred presentment and small loans ($350 or less, 60 days or less) under OFI-issued licenses Source says: "Persons who make loans of $350 or less for a term of 60 days or less." | Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions as of 2026-09-16 |
How to compare offers in Basile
Before you share your details with a lender in Basile:
- Pull your free credit reports and dispute any error — it is the cheapest way to improve the rate you are offered.
- Run your figures through the personal loan calculator on this site so you know the payment before a lender quotes one.
- Pre-qualify with at least three lenders and compare the APR, not the interest rate.
- Check that the lender is licensed in Louisiana using the regulator named above.
- Read the disclosure for origination fees and any prepayment penalty before you sign.